Standefer was an eighth-grade student at The McCallie School, an all-boys boarding institution in Chattanooga.

School spokesman James Tanner said Friday the school had no comment because it had just learned of the news. But Tanner said Standefer was active in outdoors programs, crew team and a youth Christian group.

Mark McOmie, Standefer's uncle, also said the family was waiting to comment until the body was formally identified. He described his nephew as a loving and well-loved boy who was always smiling.